The Arena
Hollywood, California, USA
Everyone likes a good party. And Groove Thursdays, which happen at the Arena in Hollywood California, are no exception to the rule. What started out in September 2009, the brainchild of investors DJ Sole, VeeVeeMarie and SayFresh, a local promoter, has turned into a weekly epic party for Hollywood, California to enjoy. The venue is good, the parking was run well (security was quick on those trying to cause trouble!) and the line to get in was handled in a professional manner, even given the number of people.
The weekly event is 18 and over if you want to get in, so teens, so sorry, but you have to be 18. Obviously, 21 and over is a must if you want to drink. Once past the door, there’s VIP access above and around the stage, a place to chill outside for everyone, and several bar locations up and down. On the side, there is an on-site photographer (who is there every week) snapping pictures for posterity, viewable online after the event, on the photographer’s Flickr site. The ubiquitous raving dancing go-go girls are doing their thing, grinding to the rhythm and helping everyone get into the mood to bounce.
While there are three rooms to The Arena, the main focus will always be on the main stage. But, don’t let the perhaps unknown DJ or closer quarters fool you, there’s a lot of boogie to be had in the back. And later into the evening, the back rooms are partying it up with lights and music to hypnotize you, with lots of local talent spinning their sets. While the party doesn’t stop back there, the main focus is always on the main stage in front. And, with the bass heavy JBL sound system, the main stage was definitely rockin’…
But, as with any weekly event, it’s all about the music.
Examples of previous acts appearing have been Klaas, Dan-OH, Blake Miller, Disco Villains, Shark Attack, DMNDAYS, DJ V-Tech, Nadastrom, Deejay Sam Hiller, Religion and Felix Cartal.
But the resident DJ’s are nothing to scoff at. On the bill are such great times as DJ Sole, Rocke and Messy Vndlz. And, because they drop weekly, their sets are ever changing, each with its own feeling… with the obvious favorites thrown in for some heavy phat clubbery. Wouldn’t want to disappoint the regulars, right?
The night that Boppernation took to the Groove on a Thursday, the bill was DJ Sole, B Rich, The Italian Sensation and finally LA Riots. Each started their set right from the other, only once or twice having a chat mid-set with the other entourages on stage. The sets were tight, each featuring the personal select brand of electronic love for the crowd. Some heavy bass, some raving pitches, some wah-wahs for the hot mah-mahs… The crowd was loving it. By the time the LA Riots took to the decks, the crowd was really craving more but couldn’t get enough.
For those that have never heard the LA Riots, their brand of dance is one which is sure to please, with focus on explosive sounds, some fancy heavy bass, longform mixing and pure get-down fun, making you want to do nothing but move your body with the crowd. They dropped an impressive set, having fun with the beats and the audience was loving the attention they put on playing the songs instead of jumping from track to track.
Groove Thursdays was a fantastic time. Whether there’s a major act performing or not, you can’t beat the price for some of that electro thunder that Groove Thursdays provides. Make sure you check out their myspace for special deals, and to keep up with the acts they’re laying down. Trust us, you’ll have a blast!
Check out more photos in the gallery! (photos by HeartScreamS and KngtRdr)
